STAR WARS: Fate of the Jedi Temple Guards

In the Star Wars universe, they were the nameless, faceless protectors of the Jedi Temple on Coruscant. The only Jedi to wield yellow lightsabers (and double-bladed sabers, at that), the Jedi Temple Guards protected the Jedi temple for centuries. But what happened to them after Order 66?

Image: Lucasfilm

Sadly, as with the vast majority of Jedi galaxy-wide, most
of the Jedi Temple Guards perished
during Order 66. It’s believed that many if not most to die in the purge
did so at Anakin Skywalker/Darth
Vader’s hands. Those that didn’t abandoned their posts and went into exile. There
were a few, however, that chose different paths.

Fate of the Jedi Temple Guards

While they do appear in cannon, we know relatively little about the stalwart protectors of the Jedi Order. This video from our friends over at The Stupendous Wave provides some insight about the enigmatic Jedi soldiers:

Thanks to Star Wars Rebels, we were able to learn the story of one guard in particular. A surprise, late Season 2 twist revealed that the Grand Inquistor, nemesis to Kanan Jarrus and Ezra Bridger, was once a Temple Guard himself. Dave Filoni would later inform fans that the Grand Inquistor appeared in The Clone Wars, as well. He was one of the Jedi Temple Guards to escort Ahoska Tano from court following her exoneration from accusations of bombing the Temple.

Image: Disney/Lucasfilm

The Grand Inquisitor’s journey parallels Anakin Skywalker’s
in many respects. He abandons the light side of the Force to become an agent of
the Sith. For many years he serves the Dark Side for Darth Vader and the Emperor.
Like Vader, his redemption comes too late. The Grand Inquisitor returns to the ranks
of the Jedi Temple Guards in Kanan’s visions to help complete the young Jedi’s
training.

Despite this insight, the Jedi Temple Guards will forever
remain shrouded in mystery. We kind of prefer it that way; it adds to their allure.

About The Author

Lawyer by trade, writer by passion. Author of 'The Deep Space Chronicles' series available at Amazon.com, a rambling blog at jjgoodman.blogspot.com, and musings on all things 'Star Wars' here at That Hashtag Show.